Week 10 of the Dark Days Challenge, and our participants from the West and Midwest have again inspired new ideas with their creativity.
The West
Ellen at 2010 CSA Challenge had a busy week preparing her house for a listing in early February, but still came up with several DDC meals. First up was a celery soup from her CSA that was frozen in December – I love pulling something like that out of the freezer during busy times too. Served with rolls and roasted CSA veg, it made a satisfying meal. Also this week was a dish of maple glazed apples and turnips . That’s one I have to try, as my turnip stock is stil strong, and it sounds delicious. The celery soup came in handy again later in the week with “Inside-Out Ravioli”.
Almostima enjoyed a fritatta made with greens she grew herself! Even as compared to local food, eating something grown right at home seems to make a meal more special. Her own chard, spinach, and the discovery of beet greens combined with potatoes, eggs, and oyster mushrooms from the farmers’ market to make a meal that also served as a tasty lunch the next day.
Smoked cheddar and onion tart
Arugulove tried two new recipes this week. The first came from a cookbook lent to her by a good friend: smoked cheddar and onion tart that was made from nearly all local ingredients. Alongside came a dish of braised escarole that looked good to resist at the farmers’ market! I think that eating from the farmers’ markets inspires stepping outside the known to explore all there is out there from our communities. Great idea, Arugulove.
While not an official DDC entry, Maureen posted about a new canning challenge she’s joined. This month was citrus, and a tangy grapefruit marmalade. Even though it wasn’t quite what she expected, a new idea of using it for glaze might prove just the thing. Keep us updated!
From superprotectivefactor came an inspiring post about using raised beds this season. With the support of other gardeners, kids will get to construct raised beds of their own and get creative with what goes inside. The strawberry idea looks fun.
Anita at Married…With Dinner posted a DDC meal of baked eggs with cheese that came out well, but as she explained, seemed like it “wasn’t really worth the effort”. I’m sorry to hear that, Anita. Reading your recipe, I think I’d be far too daunted to even try! I hope you have a happier experience with your next forray.
Over at Our Life In The Country, country girl made a meal of maple syrup glazed pork chops, broccoli with mayo and soy sauce topping, and a baked sweet potato. Sweet potato…… mmmmm. I completely agree with her observation that the DDC is a fun way to see what others are making with the ingredients that are locally available – “imagination abounds!” as country girl put it. Well said.
Sara posted an interesting consideration of eating meat, and planned a meatless DDC meal of roasted potatoes with garlic, carrots, rosemary, and some olive oil served with beans, and sauteed chard. There is a lot to think about in that post about one’s beliefs, availability of options in the community and local farms, and constructing a satisfying meal. Sara, I think I’m going to steal your ideas for my own dinner this week – it looks amazing.
The Middle
From El at fastgrowtheweeds comes a DDC entry of…. Oxtails. Yes, she explains about what they are, the flavor that comes from them, and, of course, shows how they can be part of a satisfying meal. This week it was gnocci in oxtail ragu, Mokum carrots, salad from her greenhouse, and some red wine to round out the meal. And from the looks of her plate, it was eaten with great joy.
Trout and veggies were on the menu for Anne – rainbow trout to be specific. Even though she hasn’t had much experience with that fish, she stocked up during a local Fish and Shrimp Festival and was ready to go to it this week. Hooray for broadening the comfort zone! And a special congrats too for mastering the art of making homemade sauces, for Asian inspired foods and other dishes as well!
Melissa has been busy this week, publishing the January edition of the Purple Asparagus newsletter and discovering local ketchup. A “fine condiment” indeed. Hard to find, maybe, but this one sounds like a winner.
Brats were on the table during week 10 for midwest green. Her year-round farmers’ market sells them regularly, and they were accompanied by homemade rolls created by her husband. With local flour and local honey, their sweetness made a good pairing with the brats, and served double-duty later with jam or even on their own. Honey in bread is so flavorful. Along with the brats and rolls went a local hydroponic salad with wine from the local monks. Wow!
The winter has been flying for the Nordic Walking Queen, with flavors of summer thanks to the pesto she prepared with the abundance of basil in her summer garden. This week, it starred in a quick pasta meal with local fettuccini, local carrots and broccoli, and farmers’ cheese. Along with pears, she had a delicious meal that chased winter far away. Amazing how strong the effects of a single meal or two can have on the mood and spirit.
Roast Buffalo, potatoes and that "squash of unknown variety"
I’m impressed with aastricker, who posted her DDC meal far ahead of the Sunday deadline. I wish I had my act together the way she does! Even though she attended and spoke at a school board meeting, participated in the Can Jam with a citrus project, and did the laundry, there she is with a meal of roast buffalo, potatoes from a (huge) bag bought from the farmers’ market, and a squash of “unknown variety”. Paired with homemade bread and broccoli, I’m sure this meal is something that people with more time can’t even think about. Keeping the potatoes and squash on the back porch for storage, I like that idea.
An aging butternut squash and the mentality of not letting things go to waste inspired S at Put Your Shovel Where Your Mouth Is to make a homemade pasta dish with homegrown garlic, sage, and eggs, along with squash, onions, and cheese from the local farmers’ markets. Foccacia that she made with tomatoes and herbs from her own garden inspired thoughts of a second life as bread pudding…. The analogy she makes to the Iron Chef television show is perfect – I think many of us have been there, cooking with what needs to be rescued that day.
Yum! Sweet Potato Rolls!
The Local Cook posted about making sweet potato crescent rolls this week that came together quickly and shone with the flavor of the sweet potato. Homemade bread, the smell alone can bring people running. They were a hit with her husband’s “brew crew” – who could blame them!
I love reading about everyone’s meals, especially looking at the places (and foods) that give them inspiration in these dark days when fresh food at farmers’ markets is hard to find. Has anyone else noticed that it is getting *slightly* lighter in the mornings and evenings though? Hope for brighter days ahead….
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a big thanks to everyone who is doing the wrap ups of all our cooking. I’m inspired! and exhausted by all everyone is doing…